Certified Professional Supervisor

The skills that supervisors have are essential building blocks for effective leadership. AFE’s Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS) Program was built to develop and strengthen these foundational skills. The knowledge gained from the CPS program will ensure supervisors effectively execute and manage any situation necessary to perform the job.

Core Topics:
(click to view learning objectives)

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Role of Supervisor

Learning Objectives:

Describe the supervisor's job and responsibilities.
List and explain the three supervisory skills and the reasons they are important.
List and explain the five functions of supervision.
Define the different supervisory styles
Define problem employees and the types
Describe supervisor’s role in counseling
Review the steps in the employee counseling and discipline models

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Industrial Workplace and Safety

Learning Objectives:

Explain the four elements of an effective occupational safety and health program.
Explain how and why management commitment and employee involvement are tied together for a good safety and health program.
Describe what a worksite analysis is.
Explain systems used to prevent and control hazards.
Describe a Safety Culture.
Explain how to set up a safety and health training program

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Communication Skills

Learning Objectives:

Define communication and why it is important.
List and explain the four steps in the communication process.
Discuss the three types of communication transmission.
List the five steps used in the message-sending model.
Identify the guidelines used in giving effective criticism.
Explain the characteristics of active listening.
Review the potential problems when communicating.
Review the interrelationship between communication and effective teamwork.
Review skills for effective written communication.

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Business and Industrial Law

Learning Objectives:

Review the basis of various legal restraints.
Identify the foundational areas of law in business and industry.
Review the role of unions in the workplace.
Describe the various legislation associated with labor unions.
Review human resource utilization legislation.

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Interpersonal Skills

Learning Objectives:

Explain the goal of human relations.
List the five forces influencing behavior at work.
Review the nature of organizational politics.
Identify the difference between ethical and unethical politics.
Review the various relational levels in an organization.
Review the differences between active and assertive listening skills.

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Interviewing and Hiring

Learning Objectives:

Explain the goal of human resource planning.
Review the role of job analysis, job descriptions, and job specifications.
Review the types of recruiting.
Define the steps to the selection process.
Review the stages in the interview process.
Describe the affect of orientation for new hires.

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Introduction to Finance and Budgeting

Learning Objectives:

Explain the role of capital in business.
Review the use of debt financing.
Describe the make-up of a balance and income sheet.
Review the facets of budgeting.
Identify ways to determine corporate effectiveness

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Conflict Resolution

Learning Objectives:

Explain the basis for conflict.
Review the types of conflict.
Identify the reasons for conflict.
Review the various conflict management styles.
Review the process for initiating, responding to, and mediating conflict resolution.

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Leadership and Motivation

Learning Objectives:

Explain the role and importance of leadership.
List the four situational supervisory styles.
Review the skills for effective leadership.
Identify the effect of motivation.
Review organizational and individual motivation techniques.
Review the various tips for leadership and motivation.

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Time Management and Planning

Learning Objectives:

Explain the goal of time management.
Review the influence of planning.
Identify the process for setting objectives.
List the types of plans used in the planning process.
Review tools used in planning.
Explain the focus of delegation.

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Problem Solving and Team Building

Learning Objectives:

Explain the importance of problem solving, decision making, team building.
Review the steps of the problem solving and decision making model.
Review the advantages and disadvantages of group problem solving and decision making.
Identify the characteristics of productive teams.
Review the pillars of teamwork.
Review the stages of team development.

Forms/Information

CPS FAQ

Eligibility Matrix

CPS Application (New Applicants)

Renewal Guidelines

Renewal Application (Current Certificate Holders)

To get complete information on your eligibility for the CPS, the application and testing process and materials, the schedule of CPS Review Programs and Exams and test results, contact the Certification Representative in the AFE Office of Professional Development at 571-395-8770 or certification@afe.org.